North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation during their summit, as reported by Belarus’s state news agency BelTA.
According to the Belarusian presidential office, the two leaders met in Pyongyang on Thursday to discuss expanding cooperation across various sectors, including politics and economics, before signing the treaty. President Lukashenko characterized the agreement as a cornerstone document for advancing bilateral relations, emphasizing its role in establishing a framework for institutional cooperation.
During the talks, President Lukashenko remarked that the friendly ties between the nations, which have persisted since the Soviet era, have never been severed. It is now entering a fundamentally new phase in the relationship. He underscored the necessity for closer collaboration among sovereign states to safeguard their independence, especially in a climate where international law is often disregarded.
Notably, Lukashenko stressed that it must cultivate the relationship without concern for external opinions, adding that the two countries’ economies are complementary and that increased cooperation is essential. This statement highlights their commitment to strengthening ties in the face of Western pressure.
Kim echoed these sentiments, stating that both countries share a common vision for establishing a multipolar world order rooted in independence and justice, signaling a willingness to expand cooperation. He further declared that it must stand against the unjust Western pressure on Belarus, expressing support for the Belarusian government’s policies and direction.
The North Korean leader asserted that the conditions are ripe for further expanding and developing relations between the two nations, hinting at the strengthening of political and economic ties.
The newly signed friendship and cooperation treaty reportedly aims to broaden collaboration across various domains, including politics, economics, and scientific and technological fields, founded on principles of mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs. Belarusian officials explained that the agreement will define the objectives and principles for future bilateral cooperation and establish a long-term foundation for partnership.
Prior to the summit, Kim welcomed Lukashenko at a ceremony in Kim Il Sung Square on Wednesday. The two leaders participated in official events, including visits to the Liberation Tower and the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. North Korea’s ruling party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that President Lukashenko expressed gratitude for the warm reception from his North Korean hosts.
This summit and the treaty signing are viewed as efforts to expand solidarity with pro-Russian factions, including Belarus, amid growing ties between North Korea and Russia. It appears that North Korea is diversifying its diplomatic landscape by extending cooperation with Eastern European countries, with Russia as the focal point.